Scope with improved windage/elevation system

ABSTRACT

A scope for a firearm can be used for a gun sight. The scope comprises a main tube that contains imaging optics therein. In certain embodiments, the main tube comprises a single continuous tubular body extending uninterrupted from a widened proximal end portion through a narrow medial portion to a widened distal end portion. An objective is disposed in the widened distal end portion of the tubular body and an ocular is disposed in the widened proximal end portion of the continuous tubular body. A zoom selector ring is located about a circumference of the narrow medial portion of the continuous tubular body. The zoom selector ring can be used to provide optical zoom. In one arrangement, the zoom selector ring includes a plurality of segments arranged circumferentially about the circumference of the narrow medial portion. A flexible erector assembly that includes erector optics may be included in the main tube. This flexible erector assembly may flex to adjust windage and elevation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present teachings relate to a scope for mounting on a firearm toprovide a gun sight. Such a scope may have a zoom capability.

2. Description of the Related Art

Scopes are of interest for practical applications in various fields.Scopes are often used as aiming devices, for example, for firearms likerifles or handguns. Scopes can be mounted to the firearm so that theuser can peer through the scope to view the target up close.

A scope, otherwise known as a terrestrial telescope or landscapetelescope, comprises an objective lens and an ocular lens or eyepiece.The combination of the objective and the ocular alone create an invertedimage of the target in the viewer's eye. Accordingly, scopes arecustomarily outfitted with erector systems between the objective andocular for inverting the image such that the target appears erect asseen by the viewer. The objective, ocular, and erector are generallydisposed in a body that protects the optics.

Conventional scopes that are mounted on a firearm typically have arotatable zoom ring disposed on the outside of the scope. The zoom ringcan be rotated to adjust optics within the scope that enlarge or reducethe apparent distance to the object viewed through the scope. Thus, whenthe user employs the scope to aim a firearm at a target, the user canrotate the zoom ring to adjust how close the object appears for easierobservation of the target.

The scope may also include windage and elevation controls for adjustingwindage and elevation. These controls may comprise dials that the userrotates to establish the desired windage or elevation setting.Preferably, the windage and elevation controls have sufficiently largerange. The controls also preferably have a suitable feel for preciseadjustment and user appeal. In contrast, many conventional system relyon forward spring designs with ball seats that have machined groovesthat cause sticking and jumping when adjusting the windage or elevation.What is needed, therefore, are scope designs with improved performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention comprises a scope for mounting on afirearm to provide a sight. The scope is adjustable in at least one ofelevation and windage. The scope comprises a main tube, an objective andan ocular, a flexible erector tube, and at least one actuator. The maintube has a hollow interior region defined by interior sidewall surfaces.The objective and ocular are disposed in the hollow interior region ofthe main tube. The flexible erector tube is disposed in the hollowinterior region of the main tube between the objective and the ocular.The flexible erector tube has exterior sidewall surfaces. The flexibleerector tube houses erector optics. The flexible erector tube includes amovable portion and a fixed portion. The fixed portion is secured to themain tube. The at least one actuator is for applying pressure to themovable portion of the flexible erector tube to displace the movableportion with respect to the main tube. The flexible erector tube isbiased toward the at least one actuator without a biasing elementbetween the interior sidewall surfaces of the main tube and the exteriorsidewall surfaces of the erector tube.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method of manufacturinga scope for a firearm. In this method, a hollow main tube is provided. Aflexible erector tube having first and second end portions that can beflexed with respect to each other is inserted in the hollow main tube.Actuators are disposed with respect to the flexible erector tube to flexthe first end of the erector tube with respect to the second end of theerector tube. The first end of the erector tube is biased toward theactuators without using one or more springs between the erector tube andthe main tube to provide the bias.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a scope for mounting on afirearm to provide a sight. The scope is adjustable in at least one ofelevation and windage. The scope comprises a main tube, an objective, anocular, a flexible erector tube, and at least one threaded screw passingthrough an opening in said main tube. The objective and the ocular aredisposed in the main tube. The flexible erector tube is disposed in themain tube between the objective and the ocular. The flexible erectortube has distal and proximal ends. The distal end is closer to theobjective than to the proximal end. The flexible erector tube houseserecting optics. The threaded screw has a position wherein the threadedscrew applies pressure from a first side of the main tube therebyinducing flexure of the flexible erector tube. The flexible erector tubeis biased toward the threaded screw and away from a second opposite sideof the main tube opposite the opening in the main tube. The secondopposite side of the main tube is devoid of springs at the distal end ofthe erector tube that apply a force against pressure from the threadedscrew.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a scope for a firearm. Thescope is adjustable in at least one of elevation and windage. The scopecomprises a main tube, an objective, an ocular, a flexible erector tubeand at least one actuator. The objective is in a distal portion of themain tube. The ocular is in a proximal portion of the main tube. Theflexible erector tube is in the main tube between the objective and theocular. The flexible erector tube houses erecting optics. The at leastone actuator is for applying pressure to the flexible erector tube suchthat the flexible erector tube flexes to adjust at least one of theelevation and windage. The scope further comprises means for biasing theerector tube against pressure from the actuator without using springsbetween the flexible erector and the main tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scope having a positioning system foradjusting windage and elevation as well as a zoom assembly for providingzoom.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of the scope of FIG. 1 illustratingan objective, an erector assembly, and an eyepiece in the scope.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an eyepiece end ofthe scope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the objective end ofthe scope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the scope of FIG. 1, with an explodedview of a portion of the zoom assembly comprising a zoom selector ringin an opened position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a main body of the scope shown in FIG. 1 with thezoom selector ring removed.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the scope along line 5-5 in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a zoom selector ringin a closed position.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the zoom selector ring of FIG. 6schematically illustrating interconnection of sections of the zoomselector ring.

FIG. 6B is front view of the zoom selector ring of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a zoom selectorring.

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the zoom selector ring of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the scope of FIG. 1 showing theerector assembly disposed between the objective end of the scope and theeyepiece end.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an erector assembly and a portion of azoom selector ring linked to the erector assembly, wherein the erectorassembly comprises a housing comprising an outer tube, an inner tube,and carriages in the inner tube.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carriages inside the inner tube ofa housing of the erector assembly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a carriage of the erector assembly ofFIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the outer tube of the housing of theerector assembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a scope having an erectorassembly with a zoom selector ring, wherein the erector assembly andzoom selector ring have magnetic elements to interact with each other.

FIG. 14 is a perspective cutaway view of a scope schematicallyillustrating a flexible erector assembly in the scope.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an erector tube comprising an elongateand a flexible portion.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the flexible portion of the erector tubeschematically illustrating a plurality of cutouts for providing flexureand a mounting flange tube for affixing the erector tube to the mainbody of the scope.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view along the line 17-17 in FIG. 14schematically illustrating the erector tube laterally offset toward thewindage and elevation dials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

These and other aspects, advantages, and features of the presentteachings will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionand with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,similar elements have similar reference numerals. To assist thedescription of the scope and its components, the following coordinateterms are used. The terms proximal and distal, which are used todescribe the disclosed embodiments, are used consistently with thedescription of the exemplary applications. The terms proximal and distalare used in reference to the head of the user looking through the scope.That is, proximal components are nearer to the user than distalcomponents.

FIG. 1 illustrates a scope 100 that has a zoom assembly 103 forproviding selectable zoom thereby controlling the apparent distance toan object viewed through the scope. The zoom assembly 103 includes thezoom selector ring 105 that is disposed along and surrounds a main body110 of the scope 100. The zoom selector ring 105 can be adjusted, e.g.,rotated, to zoom in or zoom out, thereby reducing or enlarging theobject viewed through the scope 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, in certain preferred embodiments the zoom selectorring 105 is disposed rearward on the main tube 110. The main body 110has a widened objective end 114 and a widended eyepiece end 118 housingan objective and an eyepiece, respectively. In the illustratedembodiment, the widened eyepiece end 118 is at the proximal end and thewidened objective end 114 is at the distal end of the main body 110. Thescope 100 also includes a positioning system 120 for manipulating opticscontained within the scope 100 to account for windage and/or elevation.The positioning system 120 includes elevation and windage dials 300, 304for adjusting the elevation and windage as described in more detailbelow. In the illustrated embodiment, the zoom selector ring 105 islocated between the eyepiece end 114 and the positioning system 120.However, the zoom selector ring 105 can be located at any suitableposition along the scope 100 for adjusting optics of the scope toachieve the desired amount of zoom. Although not illustrated, the scope100 can be mounted to a firearm (e.g., a rifle, a handgun, etc.) or anyother device (e.g., a crossbow or a bow) that a user aims duringoperation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of the scope 100 of FIG. 1. Asshown, the main body 110 contains an optical train 126 through whichlight can propagate to provide an image to the observer using the scope100. In various preferred embodiments, the optical train 126 comprises aplurality of lenses including the objective and eyepiece referred toabove and discussed more fully below. In the illustrated embodiment, aportion of the lenses can be selectively longitudinally displaced withrespect to each other by using the zoom selector assembly 103 to obtainthe desired amount of zoom and/or transversely displaced by using thepositioning system 120 to account for windage and elevation.Accordingly, the observer can operate the zoom selector assembly 103 andthe positioning system 120 to selectively define the interrelationshipbetween one or more of the lenses of the optical train 126, preferablyat any time during the aiming and firing process. A reticle 113 is alsoincluded to assist in the aiming process.

The main body 110 is preferably a single continuous unitary body thatprotects the optics therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the mainbody 110 surrounds and houses the optical train 126 to reduceintroduction of contaminants into the scope 100. The one-piece main body110 comprises the enlarged objective end 114, the enlarged eyepiece end118, and a narrow medial or central tubular body 130 therebetween. Inone embodiment, the main body 110 can extend uninterrupted from thewidened objective end 114 through the narrow central tubular portion 130to the widened eyepiece end 118. Preferably, both the objective end 114and eyepiece end 118 house one or more lenses of the optical train 126,e.g., the objective and the ocular, respectively. Accordingly, in theonce piece configuration, the unitary main body 110 preferably housesboth the objective and eyepiece. The central tubular portion 130 of themain body 110 can house at least a portion of the optical train 126,such as erecting optics, that can ensure that the image viewed with thescope 100 is properly oriented. The one-piece design preferably reducesexposure of the optics to moisture, particulates, and other foreignmatter that may degrade performance of the scope 100. The one-piece mainbody 110 is also likely to be more rugged and durable, offeringresistance to the large forces and impacts created by firing a gun. Inaddition, the one-piece main body 110 weighs less than its multi-piececounterpart, thereby producing less recoil force.

FIG. 2A is a close-up view of the eyepiece end 118 of the main body 110preferably housing an ocular lens 152 in a proximal end 140 of theeyepiece. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the proximal end 140 of theeyepiece portion 118 preferably includes an opening or aperture 150 forviewing through the scope 100. In the embodiment depicted, the proximalend 140 is a tubular body that preferably holds the ocular 152, whichcomprises a pair of lens elements. Other types of ocular lenses 152 thatmay include more or less lens elements or other optical elements mayalso be employed. It is also contemplated that the eyepiece end 118 canhave any shape or configuration suitable for holding the ocular 152 andprovide a viewing window for looking through the scope 100.

Optionally, positioning structures can be disposed on an inner surface154 of the eyepiece end 114 for securing the ocular 152 in place. Thepositioning structures can prevent relative movement between the ocular152 and the eyepiece housing 118. Other methods of securing the ocular152 within the eyepiece end 118 of the scope are also possible. Still inother embodiments, one or more lens elements in the ocular is moveableand may be used to focus the image in some cases.

In the illustrated embodiment, the eyepiece end 118 may further comprisea tapered portion 144. The tapered portion 144 extends from the proximalend 140 and tapers in the distal direction. For example, the taperedportion 144 can have a generally circular cross-sectional profile thatis reduced in the distal direction towards the objective end 114. Thetapered portion 144 of the eyepiece end 118 is preferably coupled to thecentral tubular portion 130 of the main body 110 as shown in FIGS. 2 and2A.

The narrow central tubular portion 130 has a proximal end 145 connectedto the eyepiece end 118. Preferably, the central tubular portion 130 ofthe main body 110 is permanently connected to the eyepiece end 118. Forexample, the central tubular portion 130 may be fused to the eyepieceend 118 or the central tubular portion and the eyepiece end may bemolded or otherwise integrated together. The eyepiece end 118 and thecentral tubular portion 130 may also be fabricated from the same pieceof material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tubular body 130 is also coupled to theobjective end 118. The objective end 114 of the scope main body 110preferably houses an objective 180 as illustrated in the close-up viewshown in FIG. 2B.

As also shown in FIG. 2B, the objective portion 114 of the main body 110has a distal end 184 that includes an opening 185 for viewing an objectthrough the scope 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 184is a tubular body configured to engage and hold the objective 180 of theoptical train 126. However, it is contemplated that the objective end118 can have any shape, size, or configuration suitable for holding theobjective 180 and providing a viewing window for viewing a distanttarget through the scope 100. For example, the distal end 184 can have agenerally constant (non-tapered) cross-sectional profile along itslength. However, other configurations are possible.

Optionally, mounting structures can be disposed on the inner surface 154of the objective end 118 for securely holding the objective 180. Themounting structures can grip and prevent movement of the objective 180relative to the objective end 118. Other methods of securing theobjective 180 within the objective end 114 of the scope 100 are alsopossible. In other embodiments, however, the objective 180 may includeone or more movable optical elements.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the objective end 114 mayfurther comprise a tapered portion 182. The tapered portion 182preferably extends from the distal end 184 and tapers in the proximaldirection. For example, the tapered portion 182 can have a generallycircular cross-sectional profile that is reduced towards the ocular end118. Other configurations are possible.

The tapered portion 182 of the objective end 114 is preferablypermanently coupled to the distal end 184 and to the narrow tubular body130 of the main body as shown in FIG. 2B. The narrow central tubularportion 130 has a distal end 146 and this distal end is preferablyconnected to the objective end 114 such that the objective end 114 andthe narrow central tubular portion are integrated together in acontinuous, uninterrupted fashion. Accordingly, the objective end 114and the central narrow tubular body 130 are connected together to form acontinuous uninterrupted housing for the objective optics 180. Forexample, the central tubular portion 130 may be fused to the objectiveend 114 or the central tubular portion and the objective end may bemolded, or otherwise integrated together. The objective end 114 and thecentral tubular portion 130 may also be fabricated from the same pieceof material.

Accordingly, in various preferred embodiments, the central tubularportion 130 of the main body 110 is permanently connected to at leastone of the eyepiece end 114 and the objective end 118. Optionally, thecentral tubular body portion 130 is permanently connected to both theeyepiece end 114 and the objective end 118. In some embodiments,however, the central tubular portion 130 of the main body may betemporarily coupled to either or both the objective end 118 and theeyepiece end 114.

As shown in FIG. 3 and 4, the tubular body 130 extends continuously froma proximal portion 164, through a middle body portion 166, and to adistal portion 167. As illustrated, the tubular body 130 of the scope100 has a generally tubular shape that is sized and configured to houseerecting optics. In various embodiments, a substantial portion of thecentral tubular body portion 130 has a cross-sectional area that is lessthan the cross-sectional area of the eyepiece end 114 although such aconfiguration is not required. In some embodiments, a substantialportion of the tubular body 130 has a cross-sectional area that is lessthan the cross-sectional area of the objective end 118. In theillustrated embodiment, the entire tubular body 130 has across-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of theeyepiece end 114 and the cross-sectional area of the objective end 118.In other embodiments, however, the tubular body 130 may be the same sizeor larger than one of the objective end 114 or eyepiece end 118 or both.The tubular body 130 can also have a cross-sectional area that variesalong its length. For example, the tubular body 130 may have a widenedportion to support the zoom selector ring 105 sized to be comfortablyhandled by the user. However, the tubular body 130 can have any shapesuitable for housing one or more components of the optical train 126 andpossibly for supporting the positioning system 120 and/or the zoomselector ring 105.

As shown in FIG. 3, the proximal portion 164 of the tubular body 130 isdisposed through and surrounded at least in part by the zoom selectorring 105. Additionally, the proximal portion 164 of the tubular body 130can have an elongated opening or slot 170 (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

The slot 170 in the tubular body 130 defines a window between theinterior and the exterior of the main body 110 so that an extension fromthe zoom selector ring 105 can pass through and into the interior of themain body 110 and engage a support structure supporting optics in theoptics train 126 as discussed more fully below. In the illustratedembodiment, the slot 170 has a generally constant width and continuesalong a portion of the circumference of the main body 110. In oneembodiment, the arc spanned by the slot 170 ranges between about 0 and120 degrees, e.g., about 120°, and is positioned along the proximalportion 164. In other embodiments, the length of the slot 170 is about130° to about 190°, e.g. about 150° or 180°. In other embodiments, thelength of the slot 170 is in the range of between about 0° to about220°. The slot 170 can have other lengths suitable to achieve thedesired range of travel of the zoom assembly 103. The slot can be alsopositioned elsewhere. For example, the slot 170 can alternatively bedisposed in the middle body 166 or the distal portion 167.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the slot 170 preferablydetermines the amount of travel of a rotatable zoom selector ring 105 ofthe zoom selector ring 105. For example, the slot 170 having a length ofabout 180° provides about 180° of rotation of the zoom selector ring 105about a longitudinal axis 121 of the scope 100. The length of the slot170 can therefore be increased or decreased to increase or decrease,respectively, the angle that the zoom selector ring 105 can be rotatedabout the main body 110. The slot 170 can also limit the axial movementof the zoom selector ring 105 relative to the main body 110. It iscontemplated that those skilled in the art can determine the appropriatesize and configuration of the slot 170 to achieve the desired distanceof travel of the zoom selector ring 105 and the desired structuralproperties of the body 110. For example, reducing the length or width ofthe slot 170 may result in reduced flexure and increased strength of thebody 110.

As shown in FIG. 4, an opening or hole 174 can optionally pass throughthe main body 110, e.g., in the middle portion 166 of the tubular body130 to receive an actuator that forms part of the positioning system120. Preferably, for example, movement of the windage and elevationdials 304, 300 may be coupled through the hole 174 to adjust optics inthe optics train 126 to effectuate the appropriate corrections forproper aiming. Preferably, however, the slot 170 and the opening 174 donot permit moisture or contaminants from reaching the optics in thescope 100.

As described above, the main body 110 is preferably formed out of aunitary piece of material. In one embodiment, a tube, preferably made ofmetal, is processed into an elongated substantially cylindrical bodyhaving a widened proximal and a widened distal end. As illustrated inFIG. 4, both ends of the cylindrical body can be forged into a partiallycone shaped eyepiece end 114 and objective end 118. The frusta-conicalshaped taper of the objective end 114 and the eyepiece end 118 of themain body 110 can be forged by placing the ends of the main body 110into a mold. The main body 110 can then be heat treated to graduallyenlarge the end portions of the main body 110. Multiple molds can beused to incrementally increase the size of the eyepiece end 114 and theobjective end 118 until the desired shape is obtained. After the mainbody 110 is molded and shaped as desired, the entire main body 110 canbe annealed to reduce residual stresses of the main body 110. In anotherembodiment, the main body 110 is formed by machining a piece of materialinto the desired shape. For example, a metal body can be machined with acutting tool to produce the cylindrical main body 110. In anotherembodiment, the main body 110 can be formed by a die casting process.For example, molten metal can disposed into a cavity of a die castingmachine. The die casting machine may comprise two bodies that mate andform the cavity in the shape of the main body 110. The molten materialcan then be, for example, injected into the cavity in some embodiments.In addition to die casting, the main body may be swagged (deformed bypunching) from an extrusion to achieve a blank that could then bemachined. Different embodiments may be machined from an extrusion,swagged, or die cast. Other process may also be employed.

Optionally, the main body 110 can be formed through a one-step ormulti-step process. For example, the eyepiece end 114 and the objectiveend 118 can be formed in a central tubular body. The slot 170 can thenbe formed in a portion of the body. It is contemplated that any portionof the main body 110 can be formed at any suitable time. For example,the slot 170 can be formed before the eyepiece end 114 is shaped.Additionally, the different portions of the main body 110 of the scope100 may be formed separately and fused or bonded together, for example,by welding or other processing techniques. Preferably, however, the maintube end product comprises a single unitary piece of material. Asdescribed above, however, in various preferred embodiments, the maintube does not require bonding but comprises a single unitary piece thatis processed to form the end product having the objective and eyepieceportions 114, 118 together with the central tubular portion 130. Thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate various processes can beemployed to produce the main body 110.

The main body 110 preferably comprises a material that is suitable forhousing optics and preferably has suitable corrosion resistantcharacteristics. For example, the main body 110 may comprise metal,plastic, composites, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the mainbody 110 comprises magnesium. In certain exemplary embodiments, the mainbody 110 comprises aluminum-magnesium-titanium alloy. The materials,however, should not be limited to those specifically recited herein as avariety of materials can be used alone or in combination to form themain body 110. The appropriate dimensions and the type of materials thatform the main body 110 may be determined based on, e.g., the arrangementof the optical train 126 and the desired weight and structuralproperties of the main body 110.

As described above, the zoom selector ring 105 may be used as a controlfor controlling the optical train 126. In particular, the user canrotate the zoom selector ring 105 in certain preferred embodiments toadjust the size of the images viewed through the scope 100.

The zoom selector ring 105 may be multi-piece body configured toslidably engage the main body 110. In one embodiment, the zoom selectorring 105 is a segmented body that extends substantially around theunitary, uninterrupted main body 110. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of thezoom selector ring 105 comprising a plurality of segments that mate withthe outer surface 195 of the main body 110. The zoom selector ring 105is depicted in an opened position in FIG. 3 with the segments spacedapart. Such a configuration may be advantageous in assembly of the scope100. In various embodiments, for example, the inner diameter of the zoomselector ring 105 is smaller than both the outer diameter of theobjective end 114 and the outer diameter of the eyepiece end 118. Insuch cases, separated segments of the zoom selector ring 105 may becombined to form the selector ring around the narrow central bodyportion 130. In other embodiments, however, the inner diameter of thezoom selector ring 105 is preferably smaller than the outer diameter ofone of the objective end 114 and the eyepiece end 118.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the selector ring 105 islocated between the center of the main body 110 and the proximal end145. In another embodiment, the selector ring 105 is spaced less thanabout 1/3 of the length of the tubular body 130 from the eyepiece end114. Although the zoom selector ring 105 is preferably located along theproximal portion 164 of the tubular body, optionally, the selector ring105 can be located along the middle body 166 or the distal portion 167of the central body 130. In certain embodiments, the main body 110 canhave an annular ridge or body that mates with an inner annular body orgroove of the selector ring 105 to prevent longitudinal movement betweenthe selector ring 105 and the main body 110.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the zoom selector ring 105comprises a pair of curved segments 190 and 194 that can be closed,e.g., by joining the separate segments together. When the selector ring105 is in the closed position, each of the segments 190, 194 ispreferably arranged about the circumference of the tubular body 130. Inone embodiment, the zoom selection ring 105 extends at leastsubstantially about the circumference of the main body 110. FIG. 1depicts the segments disposed circumferentially about the outer surface195 of the tubular body 130.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the curved segments 190, 194 can haveinner surfaces 196, 198 that preferably form a surface 242 which mateswith the outer surface 195 of the main body 110. The surface 242 canhave a generally tubular shape and can be concentric with the outersurface 195 of the main body 110 when the zoom selector ring 105 is inthe closed position.

As shown in the cross-sectional view depicted in FIG. 5, each of thesegments 190, 194 extends about a portion of the main body 110. Thesegments 190, 194 can be similarly or differently sized of the main body110. For example, the segments 190, 194 can each extend about 180°around the tubular body 130 of the main body 110. Preferably, thesegments 190, 194 are disposed about the main body 110 such that the twosegments completely circumscribe the main body 110. In one embodiment,the zoom selector ring 105 can preferably comprise more than twosegments. For example, the zoom selector ring 105 can comprise threesegments that are fastened together. The three segments can each extendabout 120° around the tubular body 130 and can be fastened or coupledtogether to form a zoom selector ring 105. The segments can be fastenedtogether in a similar manner as the segments 190, 194, as discussedbelow. It is contemplated that any suitable number of segments can beused to form the zoom selector ring 105. The segments 190, 194 may besecurely coupled together to limit, preferably prevent, relativemovement between the segments 190, 194, thereby forming a generallyannular zoom selector ring that preferably maintains it shape duringoperation.

FIGS. 6, 6A, and 6B show the selector ring 105 comprising couplingstructures 210, 214 for coupling together the curved segments 190, 194.The segments 190, 194 can be slid together linking the segmentstogether. As shown in FIG. 6B, the segments may be outfitted with aridges 223 and 227 that interlock. As illustrated, for example, thecoupling structure 210 has a slot 221 configured to receive a portion ofthe segment 194. In one embodiment, the slot 221 faces outwardly and isconfigured to receive at least a portion of the ridge 223 of thecoupling structure 214. The coupling structure 214 has a slot 225configured to receive a portion of the segment 190. In the illustratedembodiment, the slot 225 faces inwardly and is configured to receive atleast a portion of the ridge 227 of the coupling structure 210.Preferably, the slots 221, 225 are toleranced to reduce or preventsubstantial movement of the segments 190, 194 away from each other.Optionally, the slots 221, 255 can have ratchets, teeth, and/or otherstructures to prevent relative longitudinal movement between thesegments 190, 194. For example, although not illustrated, a pin can bedisposed through the segments 190, 194 to prevent relative longitudinalmovement between the segments 190, 194. In one embodiment, a pin isdisposed through the coupling structures 210, 214 and locks the segments190, 194 together.

As shown in FIGS. 6B, the zoom selector ring 105 can have a structureconfigured to control the optical train 126. In the illustratedembodiment, the selector ring 105 has a protuberance or member 240 thatcan pass through the slot 170 and couple the zoom selector ring to theoptical train 126, e.g., via a structure supporting the optics. Theprotuberance 240 can extend inwardly from the inner surface 242 of thezoom selector ring 105. The protuberance 240, however, can be located atany suitable point along the selector ring 18. The protuberance 240 ispreferably sized and configured to pass through the slot 170 such thatthe protuberance 240 can be slid along the slot 170 as the zoom selectorring 105 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 121 of the scope 100.The protuberance 240 and the slot 170 can therefore cooperate to definethe amount of travel of the zoom selector ring 105. The protuberance 240extends from the surface 198 of the segment 194 and passes through theslot 170 (see FIG. 5) in the central narrow portion 130 of the main body110 and continues through the wall of the tubular body 130. In someembodiments, the protuberance 240 may be configured to engage astructure supporting a portion of the optical train 126 to drive movableportions of the optical train in the longitudinal direction, asdescribed below.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a zoom selector ring 105, wherein theselector ring 105 comprises first and second segments 190, 194 havingcoupling structures 210, 214, respectively, that are configured tocooperate to securely couple together the first and second segments 190and 194. For example, the first segment 190 has a coupling structure 210in the form of a plurality of openings or holes 211 a, 211 b on oppositesides of the segment 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondsegment 194 also has a coupling structure 214 in the form of a pluralityof openings or holes 215 a, 215 b on opposite sides of the secondsegment 194.

As shown in FIG. 7 and 7A, one of the coupling structures 210, 214 canbe configured to receive one or more fastener 216. The fasteners 216 cantemporarily or permanently couple together the segments 190, 194. In theillustrated embodiment, a plurality of fasteners 216 can cooperate withthe coupling structures 210, 214 to hold together the segments 190, 194.The fastener 216 can be a screw configured to mate with internal threadsof tapped holes (e.g., the hole 211 a). Accordingly, the fasteners 216can thus be threadably coupled to the segments 190, 194 therebypreventing pull-out of the screws 216. The screws 216, however, can beremoved with proper rotation. Alternatively, the fasteners 216 maycomprise rivets or may include engagement structures that preventpull-out of the fasteners. For example, the pins 216 can have surfacesor structures that prevent the pins from pulling out of their respectiveholes 211 a, 215 a, 211 b, 215 b in the selector ring 105. Also,although FIGS. 7 and 7A show four fasteners 216 coupling together thesegments 190, 194. The number and type of such coupling structures 210,214 and fasteners 215 can vary. In certain embodiments, for example, twofasteners 216 can couple together the segments 190, 194.

A seal 200 (see FIG. 5) may optionally be formed between the zoomselector ring 105 and the tubular body 130. In one embodiment, at leasta portion of inner surfaces 196, 198 of the segments 190, 194,respectively, can interact with the outer surface 195 of the tubularbody 130 to form the seal 200. The integrity of the seal 200 ispreferably maintained as the zoom selector ring 105 slidably engages thetubular body 130 so that foreign matter is prevented from entering thescope 100 by, e.g., passing through the slot 170. Thus, the zoomselector ring 105 can be rotated about the main body 110 while theoptics remains contaminate free. In one embodiment, a substantialportion of the surface 242 of the zoom selector ring 105 engages theouter surface 195 of the scope 100 to form the seal 200. Optionally, aslip ring or other body can be disposed between the tubular body 130 andthe selector ring 105 to reduce friction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the zoom selector ring 105 has agenerally uniform cross-sectional profile along its longitudinal axis.However, the zoom selector ring 105 can have a cross-sectional profilethat varies along its longitudinal axis. The zoom selector ring 105, forexample, may be ergonomically designed and have a dimple thatcomfortably fits the fingers of the user.

Additionally, the zoom selector ring 105 can optionally have an outersurface 204 (FIG. 3) configured to be engaged by a user to easily rotatethe ring 105 about the longitudinal axis 121 of the scope 100. The zoomselector ring 105 can comprise an outer surface 204 adapted to providefriction between the user's fingers and the zoom selector ring 105. Forexample, the outer surface 204 may comprises knurling substantiallyabout the entire outer surface 140 of the zoom selector ring 105.Serrations, roughened surfaces, and other finishing may be provided. Theouter surface 204 can have any suitable texture or structures forproviding a gripping surface. Alternatively, the zoom selector ring 105can have other designs yielding the desired interaction between the userand the ring 105. Optionally, for example, the outer surface 140 can begenerally smooth as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Rotational movement of the zoom selector ring 105 causes movement of theone or more lenses in the optical train 126 to provide the desired zoom.In particular, rotation of the zoom selector ring 105 may cause theoptics in the optics train 126 to be longitudinally displaced withrespect to each other. A mechanism for shifting the optical elements inthe optics train 126 is discussed more fully below. Additionally, thepositioning system 120 can be employed to laterally displace one or moreoptical elements in the optics train 126 and adjust the windage and/orelevation. Such approach is also discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 8, the tubular body 130 preferably defines a hollowchannel 131 that is configured to receive a portion of the optical train126. As described above, the optical train 126 preferably comprises aplurality of lenses including, e.g., the objective lens 180 and theocular 152, that are arranged to provide an image of the target. In thevarious embodiments, the optical train 126 further comprises an erectorassembly 322 disposed between the ocular 152 and the objective 180. Theerector assembly 322 may include a plurality of lenses that inverts theimage to ensure that the viewer observes erect, properly oriented,images through the scope 100. The erector assembly 322 comprises anerector housing 340 that contains a plurality of erector lens elements344, 346, 348 that are spaced along the erector housing.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the positioning system 120 can be used to tiltand shift a portion of the optical train 126 such as the erectorassembly 322. The positioning system 120 comprises the windage dial 300(not shown) and screw (not shown) and the elevational dial 304 and screw306. The screw for the windage dial 300 and the screw 306 for theelevational dial 304 can pass through the outer surface 195 of thetubular body 130 through the opening 174. The screw 306 can be advancedin and out of the tubular body 130 by rotating the elevational dial 304.For example, the elevational dial 304 can be rotated to cause verticalmovement of the screw 306 which, in turn, causes vertical movement ofthe distal end of a erector assembly 322 or the zoom mechanism. Thewindage dial 300 can be rotated in a similar manner to laterallydisplace the distal end of the erector assembly 322. Thus, the windagedial 300 and the elevational dial 304 can be used to shift and/or tiltthe erector assembly 322 to the desired position and orientation.

Additionally, the optics in the erector assembly 322 may be altered bymanually operating the zoom selector ring 105 thereby causing the imageto appear closer or farther. Preferably, at least a portion of theerector assembly 322 is axially movable relative to another portion ofthe optical train 126 to provide telescopic zoom capability of the scope100. For example, the erector assembly housing 340 can be configured toengage at least a portion of the zoom selector ring 105 so that manualor automatic rotation of the zoom sector ring about a longitudinal axis121 through the scope 100 causes movement or one of more erector lenselements 344, 346, 348 in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 9 shows the housing 340 of the erector assembly 322 comprising anouter tubular body 350 having a cam 352 and an inner tube 354 having aslot 355. The inner tube 354 fits within the outer tubular body 350. Asshown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the erector assembly 322 can include moveablecarriages 353, 359 that can fit inside the inner tube 354 but engage theouter tubular body 350. These carriages 353, 359, one of which isschematically illustrated in FIG. 11, hold optics of the optical train126. For example, the proximal carriage 353 supports and carries therearward lens elements 346, 348 and the distal carriage 359 supports andcarries the forward lens element 344. The carriages 353, 359 can bemoved with respect to the inner tube 354, outer tube 350, and main tube110 by rotating the selector ring 105; see FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 9 and 12, a cam 352 and a notch 356 can be defined inthe outer tube 350. The cam 352 may be a spiral-like opening defined bythe outer tube 350 and is configured to receive and slidably engage theprotrusions of the carriage (see FIG. 9). Other shapes are alsopossible. Optionally, a plurality of cams 352 may used. In theillustrated embodiment, the outer tube 350 includes first and secondcams 362, 364. Each of the cams 362, 364 can be configured to slidablyengage a protrusions 363, 369 on the rearward and forward carriages 353,359, respectively. It is contemplated that the length and curvature ofthe cams 362, 364 can be varied to achieve the desired amount oflongitudinal travel of the carriages 353, 359 for a certain amount ofrotation of the zoom selector ring 105. For example, the scope 100 canprovide 3× magnification when the carriages 353, 359 travel the entirelength of their respectively cams 362, 364. In another embodiment, thescope can provide 5× magnifications when the carriages 353, 359 travelthe entire length of their respective cams 362, 364. Moreover, cams 362,364 may cause the first carriage 353 to move with respect to the secondcarriage 359 (or vice versus) and with respect to the objective andeyepiece. Alternatively, the first and second carriage 353, 359 can movea same amount with respect to the objective and eyepiece. Otherconfigurations are possible. For example more or less number ofcarriages may be used and only some of the lens elements 344, 346, 348may be moved in certain embodiments.

With continued reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, the notch 356 ispreferably configured to receive a portion of the member 240 of theselection ring 105. In one embodiment, the notch 356 is a U-shaped notchsized to receive the member 240 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6B. As the selectorring 105 is rotated, the member 240 is disposed within the notch 356 tocause rotation of outer tube 350 about the longitudinal axis 121 of thescope 100. As the outer tubular body 350 rotates about the longitudinalaxis 121 relative to the inner tube 354, the carriages 353, 359 can moverelative to each other, to the objective or to the eyepiece or anycombination thereof as the protrusions 363, 369 on the respectivecarriages proceed along cams 362, 364.

As shown in FIG. 12 the outer tube 350 has an inner surface 361.Similarly, the inner tube 354 has an outer surface 358 as shown in FIG.10. Preferably, the inner surface 361 of the outer tubular body 350moves with respect to the outer surface 358 of the inner tube 354 as theouter tube 350 is rotated and the carriage 353, 359 are displaced. Invarious preferred embodiments, the inner tube 354 is fixed, for example,to the main tube 110 to prevent rotation of the inner tube when the zoomselector ring 105 and outer tube 354 are rotated. Preferably, the outersurface 358 of the inner tube 354 is in substantial contact with theinner surface 361 of the outer tube 350 so as to provide sealingtherebetween. Such a seal may counter formation of contaminant betweenthe inner tube 354 and the outer tube 350 and on the optics therein.

In various preferred embodiments, the inner tube 354 provides a guidefor the carriages 353, 359 as the outer tube 350 is rotated. FIGS. 9 and10 illustrate the connection between the inner tube 354 and thecarriages 353, 359. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tube 354has an elongated slot 355 configured to receive protrusions 363, 369 ofthe carriages 353, 359. The slot 355 extends proximally from the distalend of the inner tube 354. As described above, the inner tube 354 can becoupled to the main body 110 (e.g., through lip 375) to prevent orinhibit relative rotation between of the inner tube 354 and the mainbody 110. Connection between the inner tube 354 and the main body 110therefore preferably ensures that the inner tube 354 does not rotaterelative to the main body 110 such that the carriages 353, 359 can beguided in a longitudinal direction with the rotation applied by theouter tube 350. Accordingly, the erector optics will be axiallytranslated to provide zoom capability.

In operation, the scope 100 can be mounted to a firearm. The firearm canhave a mounting structure for receiving and holding the scope 100. Auser can hold and position the firearm so that the scope 100 is locatedin a desired position. The optical train 126 of the scope 100 mayinclude a reticle (e.g., cross-hair reticle 113 shown in FIG. 2) thatindicate the expected impact location of a projectile (e.g., a bullet,arrow, pellet, BB, paintball, or the like) fired from the firearm.

The user can operate the positioning system 120 to accommodate forwindage and/or elevation. For example, if there is a cross wind, thewindage may cause the projectile fired from to firearm to miss thedesired target that is viewed through the scope 100. To ensure that theprojectile impacts the desired target, the user can rotate the windagedial 300 which, in turn, rotates its corresponding screw that laterallyshifts the optical train 126 to accommodate for the windage. In theillustrated embodiment, the windage dial 300 is used to position thedistal end of the erector assembly 322. Once the erector assembly 322 islocated in the proper position, the user can position the cross-hairreticle 113 of the scope 100 on the target and ignore the windage, whichis already taken into account. To accommodate for elevation, the usercan rotate the elevational dial 304, which causes rotation and verticalmovement of the screw 306 (shown in FIG. 2 and 8). The screw 306 can bemoved until the erector assembly 322 is tilted to the proper location.Once the erector assembly 322 is in the desired position, the user canposition the cross hairs of the scope 100 on the target and disregardthe elevation.

The user can operate the zoom selector ring 105 to obtain the desiredzoom. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can rotate the zoomselector ring 105 to position one or more of the optical elements (e.g.,one or more of the erector lenses 344, 346, 348) of the optical train126 to adjust the amount of magnification of the scope 100. To move thezoom selector ring 105, the user can grip and twist the zoom selectorring 105 about the longitudinal axis 121 of the scope 100. To providediscrete amounts of longitudinal magnification, the zoom selector ring105 may have a plurality of predetermined locations that correspond to acertain zoom/magnification settings. The zoom selector ring 105 may bebiased to several angular positions. However, in some embodiments thezoom selector ring 105 may provide a continuous range of levels of zoom.It is contemplated that the zoom selector ring 105 can be operatedbefore, during, and/or after operation of the positioning system 120.

In one embodiment, when the zoom selector ring 105 is rotated in thecounter-clockwise direction about the longitudinal axis 121 from theperspective of the user, the outer tube 350 likewise rotates in thecounter-clockwise direction and the carriages 353, 359 moves towardseach other. When the zoom selector ring 105 is moved in the clockwisedirection about the longitudinal axis 121 from the perspective of theuser, the outer tube 350 likewise rotates in the clockwise direction andmoves the carriages 353, 359 away from each other. The user cantherefore rotate the zoom selector ring 105 to move the erector assembly322 to obtain a desired amount of magnification. Other designs arepossible.

As described above, in various preferred embodiments, the scope can beassembled by forming the continuous, uninterrupted unitary tubular mainbody 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the unitary main body 110includes the objective end 114 and the eyepiece end 118 that have across-sectional area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of asubstantial portion of the narrow tubular body 130 of main body 110.

The zoom selector ring 105 can be separated or split apart into aplurality of components, and the components can be assembled together toform the zoom selector ring 105. In one embodiment, the zoom selectorring 105 can be positioned in the open position, as shown in FIG. 3,such that the segments 190, 194 can be located about the main body 110.The segments 190, 194 can be moved together in a direction of the arrows370, 372. If the selector ring 105 has a protrusion 240, the protrusion240 is preferably inserted into the slot 170 in the outer tube 350 inorder to have the protrusion 240 fit within the notch 356 of the erectorassembly 322.

Once the selector ring 105 is in the closed position such that thesegments 190, 194 are located about the main body 110 (FIG. 1), thesegments 190, 194 are coupled together. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-6B,the segments 190, 194 can slidably engage each other. As shown in FIG.6A, the segments 194, 190 can then be moved relative to each other untilthe segments reach the position shown in FIG. 6.

With respect to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7 and 7A, thesegments 190, 194 can be spaced apart in the open position. The segments190, 194 can be moved together and orientated such that the holes 211 a,211 b are aligned with the holes 215 a, 215 b, respectively. Then thefasteners 216 can be inserted through the holes (e.g., hole 211 a andhole 215 a) thereby fastening segment 190 to the segment 194.Preferably, there is no movement between the segments 190, 194 when theyare in this closed position.

As depicted in FIG. 9 and discussed above, the zoom selection ring 105is preferably connected to the erector assembly 322 so as to engage theoptical train 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the zoom selector ring105 is oriented so that the protuberance 240 mates with the notch 256.Likewise, movement of the protuberance 240 and the outer tube 350 causesrotation of the outer tube 350 of the erector assembly 322 anddisplacement of components of the optical train 126 along the main body110. In various embodiments, the carriages 353, 359 move the lenses ofthe erector in response to rotational movement of the zoom selector ring105.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a zoom selector ring 105 for azoom assembly wherein the scope 100 has a single continuous main tubularbody 110 without a slot 170 (see FIG. 4 for comparison). The zoomselector ring 105 is disposed on the uninterrupted tubular body 130 andis used to adjust the optics in the tubular body. The zoom selector ring105 can be used to move one or more lenses of the scope 100 even thoughthe wall of the main body 110 is interposed between the ring 105 and theoptical train 126 and the ring 105 does not directly contact the erectorassembly 322. The continuous, unitary cylindrical main body 110therefore can substantially completely prevent any foreign matter fromentering into the interior of the scope 100.

In one embodiment, the scope 100 includes exterior and interior magneticelements for magnetically coupling the zoom selector ring 105 to theoptics of the optical train 126. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.13, the zoom selection ring 105 preferably comprises an exterior magnet402 outside the main body 110 that interacts with a correspondinginterior magnet 406 inside the main body. Preferably the interior magnet406 is magnetically coupled to the exterior magnet 402 such thatmovement of the exterior magnet induces corresponding movement of theinterior magnet. In various preferred embodiments, the interior magnet406 is attached to the erector assembly 322 such that movement of theinterior magnet 406 will cause movement of the erector assembly.

The outer tube 350 can have a cut-out that holds the interior magnet406. In certain embodiments, one of the segments 190, 194 of theselector ring 105 also has a recess 408 configured, e.g., shaped andsized, to hold the exterior magnet 402. The exterior magnet 402 can havean inner surface 410 that can cooperate with the segment 190 to form asurface 412 to engage the outer surface 195 of the main body 110.

The pair of magnets 402, 406 can couple the movement of the outer tube350 and the selector ring 105 because the magnets 402, 406 generate amagnetic field that causes the magnets 402, 406 to be attracted towardseach other. Thus, when the selector ring 105 is rotated, the outer tube350 and selector ring 105 rotate substantially in unison. When the outertube 354 rotates, the optics of the optical train 126 moves in themanner described above. The number, position, and type of the magnetsassociated with the zoom selector ring 105 and the erector assembly 322may vary. For example, each of the selector ring 105 and the erectorassembly 322 can have diametrically opposed magnets. The diametricallyspaced pairs of magnets are preferably arranged to ensure that theselector ring 105 and the inner tube 354 move together. Optionally, thespacing between the magnets 402, 406 can vary to achieve the desiredinteraction between the magnets. For example, the thickness of the mainbody 110 between the selector ring 105 and the erector assembly 322 canbe reduced to increase the force between the magnets 402, 406. In otherembodiments, for example, where zoom is effectuated by translation ofoptics other than the erector optics, different configurations may beused.

Regardless of the type of connection between the zoom selector ring 105and the optics train 126, the main body 110 preferably curtails theamount of foreign matter such as moisture, dust, dirt, and othercontaminants that reaches the optics. Dirt and contamination on theoptics may reduce the resolution and clarity of the images. Foreignmatter may also cause malfunction of the moving parts in the scope.Contamination may hasten deterioration and may also interfere with theprecise alignment of the aiming device.

Another advantageous feature that may be incorporated in the scopedesign is illustrated in FIG. 14, which shows a scope 500 that has aflexible erector assembly 522 that cooperates with the positioningsystem 120 to laterally align the optical train 126. This flexibleerector assembly 522 flexes in response to adjustments to the windageand elevation actuators 300, 304.

As shown in FIG. 14, the flexible erector assembly 522 comprises anerector housing 525 that contains the optical train 126 that invertsimages to ensure that the viewer observes erect, properly orientedimages through the scope 500. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14,this erector housing 525 comprises a flexible erector tube 540. Invarious preferred embodiments, the erector tube 540 houses one or moreoptical lens, such as the lens elements 344, 346, 348.

Although not illustrated, the scope 500 may include other componentssuch as for example a zoom assembly similar to the zoom assembly 103described above. The erector tube 540 may for example have slots or cams(see the outer tube 340 illustrated in FIG. 9) that convert rotationmovement of a zoom selection ring into longitudinal translation ofoptics in the optical train 126. The one or more cams may be configuredto receive and engage one or more carriages similar to the carriages353, 359 described above. An inner tube like the inner tube 354discussed above in connection with FIG. 9 may be included to guide themovement of the carriage or carriages. Alternatively, the scope 500 canhave other types of zoom arrangements or may have no zoom capability.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the flexible erector tube 540 is disposed inthe hollow interior region or channel 131 within the main body 110 ofthe scope 500. The flexible erector tube 540 extends from thepositioning system 120 to a location proximal to the ocular lens 152.The central tubular body 130 of the main body 110 has interior sidewallsurfaces 111 defining the hollow interior region 131. Similarly, theerector tube 540 has exterior sidewall surfaces 541. The exteriorsidewall surfaces 541 of the erector tube 540 move with respect to theinterior sidewall surfaces 111 of the main body 110, for example, as theflexible erector tube 540 is laterally displaced as discussed more fullybelow.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the flexible erector tube 540 comprises anelongate portion 542 connected to a flexible portion 544. In theembodiment shown, the elongate portion 542 comprises a generally rigidcylindrical tube configured to fit within the main body 110 of the scope500 and that is engaged by the positioning system 120. A distal end 546of the elongate portion 542 is positioned along the main body 110 suchthat the screws of the positioning system 120 can contact the distal end546. As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the elongate portion 542 has aproximal end 560 that is coupled to the flexible portion 544 of thetube. Other designs are possible. For example, the elongate portion 542may be shaped differently and may be at least partially flexible in someembodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art may also determine theappropriate combination of material type, thickness, and length of theelongate portion 542 to achieve the desired structural propertiesresulting in controlled alignment of the optical train 126 duringoperation of the scope 500.

The flexible portion 544 provides localized flexure such that theerector tube 540 operates like a cantilevered spring. In variouspreferred embodiments, the flexible portion 544 has sidewalls that aregenerally less rigid than the elongate portion 542, thereby permittingmore flexure of the flex portion 544 than the elongate portion 542. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the flex portion 544 includes a mountingflange 566 as well as first and second cut-outs 568, 570. The mountingflange 566 is at the proximal end of the flexible portion 544. Acylindrical body 572 of the flexible portion 544 extends distally fromthe mounting flange 566 and defines the spaced apart cut-outs 568, 570.The cut-outs 568, 570 reduce the rigidity of the flex portion 544 topermit flexure induced by adjustment of the elevational dial 304 and/orthe windage dial 300.

The pair of cut-outs 568, 570 may permit flexure of the flexible portion544 in one or more directions. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and16, the first cut-out 568 defines a connecting first portion 582 whilethe second cut-out 570 defines a second connecting portion 584. Anannular member 571 is interposed between the cut-outs 568, 570 and isconnected to the connecting portions 582, 584. The first and secondconnecting portions 582, 584 are adapted to flex when the user adjuststhe positioning system 120 thereby applying one or more forces to theerector tube 540. The cut-outs 568, 570 and connecting portions 582, 584can cooperate to permit movement of the flexible portion 544 ingenerally orthogonal directions. The positioning system 120, however,can shift the erector tube 540 in any desired direction. The first andsecond connecting portions 582, 584 can be angularly spaced from eachother about a central longitudinal axis 573 through the erector tube540. The number of connecting portions 582, 584 need not be limited totwo. The material and thickness of the flexible portion 544 as well asthe length and the width of the connecting portions 582, 584 can beselected to achieve the desired structural properties of the flexibleportion 544. For example, the width of the connecting portion 582 can beincreased or decreased in size to increase or decrease, respectively,the rigidity of the flexible portion 544. Other designs are alsopossible.

The flexible portion 544 is secured to the main body 110 with themounting flange 566. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, for example,the mounting flange 566 is secured to the main body 110 while at leastpart of the elongate portion 542, preferably a section or sections ofthe elongate portion 542 holding one or more lens elements, is permittedto move in response to a force applied by the windage or elevationactuators 300, 304. Accordingly, the mounting flange 566 and theelongate portion 542 are referred to herein as fixed and movableportions, respectively.

The mounting flange 566 is configured to cooperate with the main body110 of the scope 500. For example, the interior surface 111 of the mainbody 110 may include a recess or channel that is configured to receiveat least a portion of the mounting flange 566. The mounting flange 566can remain securely affixed to the main body 110 so that generally themounting flange 566 does not move relative to the main body 110 duringoperation of the positioning system 120. It is contemplated that a widevariety of arrangements can be employed to couple the erector tube 540and the main body 110. Pins, ridges, threads, mechanical fasteners(e.g., nut and bolt assemblies), as well as other arrangements can beused to secure the erector tube 540 to the main body 110.

One-piece construction of the elongate tube 540 wherein the elongateportion 542 is integrally formed with the flexible portion 544 may offeradvantages such as durability and reduced wear. The erector tube 540 mayfor example comprise a continuous, unitary generally tubular body thatincludes the elongate and flexible portions 542, 544. In suchembodiments, the elongate portion 542 and/or the flex portion 544 of theerector tube 540 may be formed by machining, including but not limitedto, laser cutting or machining techniques. Alternatively, casting ormolding may be employed. Other methods of fabrication may also be used.In other embodiments, for example, the elongate portion and the flexportion 544 may be bonded, welded, or fused together.

The erector tube 540 may also comprise two or more pieces correspondingto the elongate portion 542 and the flexible portion 544 that aremechanically joined together to form the erector tube 540. In certainembodiments, for example, the proximal end 560 of the elongate portion542 can be received within the distal end 546 of the flex portion 544and affixed therein. Any suitable method can be used to secure theerector tube 540 to the flexible portion 544. For example, the erectortube 540 can be press fit, threadably coupled, or otherwise affixed tothe flexible portion 544. Connectors may be employed in certainembodiments. Other methods of forming the erector tube 540 are possibleas well.

The erector tube 540 may be biased toward the actuators 300, 304 (e.g.,the windage and elevation screws) of the positioning system 120. Thedistal end 546 of the elongate portion 542 of the erector tube 540 canbe laterally or radially offset or skewed with respect to a centrallongitudinal axis 575 of the main body 110. The distal end 546 may beoff-center within the main tube 110 and may be displaced toward thewindage and elevation dials 300, 304 and away from a portion of thesidewalls 111 of the main tube 110 opposite the windage and elevationscrews. In some embodiments, the erector tube 540 may be bent, tilted,or shaped such that the distal end 546 of the elongate portion 542 isdisplaced laterally within main tube 110. This distal end 546 ispreferably laterally displaced toward the position system 120 incomparison with the proximal end 560 of the elongate portion 542 of theerector tube 540.

FIG. 17 depicts a portion of the erector tube 540 that is shifted towardthe positioning screws in the positioning system 120. The flexibleerector tube 540 is biased so as to apply a pressure against thesescrews. Accordingly, when the screws of the positioning system do notengage the erector tube 540, the distal end 546 of the erector tube 542is in a position in the main body 110 offset toward the actuators 300,304 and away from the portions of the main tube opposite the windage andelevation controls. The distal end 546, however, can be moved from thisposition to a desired location within the interior 131 of the main body110 by applying a force against the elongate portion 542 of the erectortube 540 with the windage and elevation screws.

In some embodiments, springs disposed between the erector tube 540 andthe main tube 110 are used to bias erectors towards screws of awindage/elevation system 120. These springs, however, limit the movementof the erector tube 540 because the springs occupy space within theinner region 131 of the main body 110 of the scope 500. The range ofmotion of the windage and elevation dials 300, 304 is thus limited bythe presence of these springs, which can only be compressed to a finiteextent.

In contrast, in the scope 500 illustrated in FIGS. 14-17, the erectortube 540 is biased toward the windage and elevation controls 300, 304without the use of springs between the erector tube and the portions ofthe main tube 110 opposite the windage and elevation dials. Springs orother biasing elements are excluded from this region at the distal end546 of the elongate portion 542 of the erector tube 540 between theexterior sidewalls 541 of the erector tube and the interior sidewalls111 of the main tube 110.

The distance that the erector tube 540 can be displaced by thepositioning system 120 toward the portions of the main tube 110 oppositethe windage and elevation controls 300, 304 is increased by the absenceof such springs. Similarly, the range of windage andelevation-adjustment can thereby be increased. The distal end 546 of theerector tube 540 may, for example, be movable throughout substantiallythe entire portion of the interior region 131 between the exteriorsidewall surfaces 541 of the erector tube 540 and the interior sidewallsurfaces 111 of the main tube 110.

Biasing the erector tube without the use of springs or other complicateddevices or structures also provides less variation in loading forceagainst the windage and elevation adjustments, which may yield improveduser adjustment feel. Jumping and sticking can also be reduced.Additionally, in some embodiments, for example, the force applied to thepositioning system 120 is less than the force applied by the windage andelevation screws in spring-type systems so that the wear between theerector tube 540 and the positioning system 120 and fatigue of thepositioning system 120 is reduced. Less overall force improves theoperational adjustment torque for operating the adjustments, reducingwear on the adjustments and reducing production costs.

In certain embodiments, however, springs, mechanical actuators, biasingmechanisms, or other suitable devices can bias the erector tube 540toward the windage and elevation dials 300, 304. Such springs may beused in scopes 500 with or without flexible erector housings 525. In oneembodiment, for example, a spring can be interposed between the distalend 546 of the elongate portion 542 of the erector tube 540 and the mainbody 110 to further enhance the bias of the erector tube. In variousembodiments of the scope 500, however, the erector tube 540 is flexibleand the region between the distal end 546 of the erector tube and themain tube 110 is devoid of springs that apply force toward the windageand elevation screws.

When utilizing such a scope 500, the user can adjust the positioningsystem 120 to move the erector tube 540 to a desired position. The usercan rotate the windage dial 300 which, in turn rotates the correspondingwindage screw and laterally shifts the distal end 546 of the erectortube 540. As described above, the flexible portion 544 biases theerector tube 540 against the screw of the dial 300 as the screw actuatesthe erector tube 540. In the state of the positioning system 120illustrated in FIG. 17, the screw of the windage dial 300 forces againstthe distal end 546 towards the opposite side of the main body 110. Theconnecting portion 582 flexes and the distal end 546 is movedhorizontally.

Similarly, the user can rotate the elevational dial 304 which, in turnrotates the corresponding elevation screw and vertically shifts thedistal end 546 of the erector tube 540. As described above, the flexibleportion 544 biases the erector tube 540 against the screw of the dial304 as the screw actuates the erector tube 540. In the state of thepositioning system 120 illustrated in FIG. 17, the screw of theelevation dial 304 forces against the distal end 546 towards theopposite lower wall of the main body 110. The connecting portion 584 canflex as the distal end 546 is moved vertically.

Thus, as the screws of the dials 300, 304 are advanced through the mainbody 110, the screws can press upon the distal end 546 of the erectortube 540 to cause flexure of the flexible portion 544 of the erectortube 540. The optical train 126 is thereby moved to account for windageand/or elevation. Other methods of laterally translating the erectortube 540 and adjusting the optics train 126 are possible.

As described above, the erector tube 540 is preferably biased withoutthe used of springs or other biasing elements between the exteriorsidewall surfaces 541 of the erector tube 540 and the interior sidewallsurfaces 111 of the main tube 110. The erector tube 540 can thus have anincreased range of movement. This design may offer additional benefitsas well. Other designs are also possible.

Moveover, the methods which are described and illustrated herein are notlimited to the exact sequence of acts described, nor is it necessarilylimited to the practice of all of the acts set forth. Other sequences ofevents or acts, or less than all of the events, or simultaneousoccurrence of the events, may be utilized in practicing the embodimentsof the invention. Additionally, although the invention has beendisclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyondthe specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the specificdisclosures of preferred embodiments herein.

1. A scope for mounting on a firearm to provide a sight, said scopeadjustable in at least one of elevation and windage, said scopecomprising: a main tube having a hollow interior region defined byinterior sidewall surfaces; an objective and an ocular disposed in saidhollow interior region of said main tube; a flexible erector tubedisposed in said hollow interior region of said main tube between saidobjective and said ocular, said flexible erector tube having exteriorsidewall surfaces, said flexible erector tube for housing erectoroptics, said flexible erector tube including a movable portion and afixed portion, said fixed portion secured to said main tube; and atleast one actuator for applying pressure to said movable portion of saidflexible erector tube to displace said movable portion with respect tosaid main tube, wherein said flexible erector tube is biased toward saidat least one actuator without a biasing element between said interiorsidewall surfaces of said main tube and said exterior sidewall surfacesof said erector tube.
 2. The scope of claim 1, wherein said fixedportion of said flexible erector tube comprises a mounting flange. 3.The scope of claim 1, wherein said flexible erector tube comprises aflexible portion that is less rigid to permit flexure of said flexibleerector tube.
 4. The scope of claim 3, wherein said flexible portion ofsaid flexible erector tube comprises openings in said flexible erectortube to permit flexure of said flexible erector tube.
 5. The scope ofclaim 1, wherein said movable portion is disposed off-center in saidmain tube toward said at least one actuator so as to provide said bias.6. The scope of claim 5, wherein said flexible erector tube is bent suchthat said movable portion is laterally displaced with respect to saidfixed portion.
 7. The scope of claim 1, wherein said flexible erectortube is tilted so as to provide said biasing.
 8. The scope of claim 1,wherein said at least one actuator comprises a threaded screw.
 9. Amethod of manufacturing a scope for a firearm, said method comprising:providing a hollow main tube; inserting a flexible erector tube havingfirst and second end portions that can be flexed with respect to eachother in said hollow main tube; disposing actuators with respect to saidflexible erector tube to flex said first end of said flexible erectortube with respect to said second end of said flexible erector tube; andbiasing said first end of said flexible erector tube toward saidactuators without using one or more springs between said flexibleerector tube and said main tube to provide said bias.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising forming openings in said flexible erectortube to provide said flexure.
 11. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising orienting said first end of said flexible erector tube towardsaid actuators to bias said first end of said flexible erector tubetoward said actuators.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein saidorienting said first end of said flexible erector tube toward saidactuator comprises tilting said flexible erector tube with respect tosaid main tube.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said orienting saidfirst end of said flexible erector tube toward said actuators comprisesangling said first end with respect said second end of said flexibleerector tube.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein orienting said firstend of said flexible erector tube toward said actuators compriseslaterally displacing said first end with respect said second end of saidflexible erector tube.
 15. A scope for mounting on a firearm to providea sight, said scope adjustable in at least one of elevation and windage,said scope comprising: a main tube; an objective; an ocular, saidobjective and said ocular disposed in said main tube; a flexible erectortube disposed in said main tube between said objective and said ocular,said flexible erector tube having distal and proximal ends, said distalend closer to said objective than to said proximal end, said flexibleerector tube housing erecting optics; and at least one threaded screwpassing through an opening in said main tube, said threaded screw havinga position wherein said threaded screw applies pressure from a firstside of said main tube thereby inducing flexure of said flexible erectortube, wherein said flexible erector tube is biased toward said threadedscrew and away from a second opposite side of said main tube oppositesaid opening in said main tube, said second opposite side of said maintube devoid of springs at said distal end of said flexible erector tubethat apply a force against pressure from said threaded screw.
 16. Thescope of claim 15, wherein said threaded screw comprises a windage screwdisposed in said main tube for adjusting windage.
 17. The scope of claim16, wherein said threaded screw comprises an elevation screw disposed insaid main tube for adjusting elevation.
 18. The scope of claim 15,wherein said flexible erector tube has sidewalls that include slotstherein to provide flexure of said flexible erector tube.
 19. The scopeof claim 18, wherein said sidewalls of said flexible erector tubecomprise metal.
 20. A scope for a firearm, said scope adjustable in atleast one of elevation and windage, said scope comprising: a main tube;an objective in a distal portion of said main tube; an ocular in aproximal portion of said main tube; a flexible erector tube in said maintube between said objective and said ocular, said flexible erector tubehousing erecting optics; at least one actuator for applying pressure tosaid flexible erector tube such that said flexible erector tube flexesto adjust at least one of said elevation and windage; and means forbiasing said erector tube against pressure from said actuator withoutusing springs between said flexible erector and said main tube.